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Earn Extra Cash by Becoming an Election Officer

No matter who wins on November 8, you can cash in on Election Day. Many localities need election officers (referred to in some counties as poll workers), especially those who are bilingual. And while the hours may be long, the pay isn’t bad for a day’s — in some cases 5:30 a.m. until 9 p.m. or 6 a.m. until 9:30 p.m. — work.

For example, in Fairfax County, Va., which needs 3,500 election officers, election officers are paid $175 for a full day. In Monterey County, Calif., election officers are paid $135 (for clerks) and $185 (for inspectors). In Hancock County in Kentucky, election officers are paid $25 for attending a mandatory training class and $125 for working the polls on Election Day.

Pay can vary widely. In Maricopa County, Ariz., poll workers are paid $10 for a mandatory training class, $5 for a set-up meeting and $75 to $95 for work on Election Day.

Generally, to qualify as an elections officer or poll worker, you must be at least 18 years of age and a registered voter in the state, be a U.S. citizen, read and write English, and have transportation to the polling place. You'll likely also have to devote time to attend a training class.

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Where will you work? Per the Hancock County board of elections, "We do not guarantee any polling location, precinct, or area. Once you have taken the Oath of Office, you must be willing to serve where you are needed. We make every effort to place you in the vacancy closest to your home."

Contact your county's elections department to see how you can work the polls.